Lionel Messi: Barcelona, 'best interests in mind'

Lionel Messi insists he always had Barcelona's "best interests in mind" throughout the summer despite the controversy over his future.

Iran Press/Europe: "After so many disagreements, I would like to bring an end to everything. We all have to be united and assume that the best is yet to come", Messi said.

The 33-year-old last month informed Barcelona he wanted to depart and intended to utilize a clause in his contract which he and his representatives claimed allowed him to do so on a free transfer.

Barca insisted the time had passed for the clause to be activated and that the player would need to pay the €700m release clause in his contract if another club wanted to sign him this summer.

Messi, who was linked with a move to Manchester City and a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola, then revealed he had reversed his decision, saying he could never go to court against the club he has spent his entire professional career with.

The Argentine scored on his return to the first team in a 4-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday and hopes he can put a tumultuous few weeks behind him.

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